Crash damaged Elise
Discussion
I am looking to get into Elise ownership as cheaply as possible as a 2nd car to replace a kit car.
I have seen crash damaged cars about and wondered what experience folks had on fixing them up. I am looking at one now that has broken front wishbone brackets and smashed front clam. If there seems to be no chassis twisting is it ok to get a decent ally welder to fabricate new brackets and patch up?
Is there enough adjustment in the suspesion to get the geo. correct to allow for repairs or is it just too risky that the geo is never going to be ok.
I am aware that a bad handling Elise is just going to be a waste of time and that a car with a category on the HPI is always going to be worth less.
Any ideas welcome.
I have seen crash damaged cars about and wondered what experience folks had on fixing them up. I am looking at one now that has broken front wishbone brackets and smashed front clam. If there seems to be no chassis twisting is it ok to get a decent ally welder to fabricate new brackets and patch up?
Is there enough adjustment in the suspesion to get the geo. correct to allow for repairs or is it just too risky that the geo is never going to be ok.
I am aware that a bad handling Elise is just going to be a waste of time and that a car with a category on the HPI is always going to be worth less.
Any ideas welcome.
I'd be wary of buying a car with any chassis damage at all. If it's just had the suspension pulled off on one corner and a bit of glasssfibre damage then this can be a relatively cheap way into ownership.
Chassis damage is a big no no however. The workshop manual states that there is no adequate repair for any chassis damage and wishbone brackets damaged does sound dodgy.
How much is the car you're looking at?
Early S1's with upwards of 50-60k miles in less popular colours can be found for £6,750 - £7,750.
I think in slavage auctions, cars with chassis damage can sell from £2,000 - £4,500 dependant on damage.
You could make a good saving doing this, just make sure you buy something that can be repaired cost effectively.
Chassis damage is a big no no however. The workshop manual states that there is no adequate repair for any chassis damage and wishbone brackets damaged does sound dodgy.
How much is the car you're looking at?
Early S1's with upwards of 50-60k miles in less popular colours can be found for £6,750 - £7,750.
I think in slavage auctions, cars with chassis damage can sell from £2,000 - £4,500 dependant on damage.
You could make a good saving doing this, just make sure you buy something that can be repaired cost effectively.
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